KEY POINTS

• NYCN defends its certificate of incorporation in court.

• CAC and Youth Ministry accused of legal overreach.

• Court further ruling affirms NYCN’s leadership under Sukubo.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has accused the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development of overstepping their powers after reports emerged that its certificate of incorporation was withdrawn and an interim management appointed.

NYCN President Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo said the move was unlawful and inconsistent with court orders that affirmed his leadership as legitimate.

NYCN defends legality of certificate

In a statement signed by Sukubo, the council reaffirmed that its current leadership remains the only one recognised by law and the Federal High Court. He cited Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1553/2022, where Justice D.U. Okorowo upheld the validity of the NYCN’s incorporation certificate and affirmed Sukubo’s leadership.

The group said the matter is now before the Court of Appeal in Abuja under Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/13081/2023, with both the CAC and the Ministry of Youth Development listed as respondents.

Court order protects NYCN

According to the council, any attempt to tamper with the certificate while the case is pending amounts to interference with a judicial process. Sukubo warned that no agency or individual has the authority to override a standing court decision.

Furthermore, he described the ministry’s and CAC’s moves as “an avoidable escalation,” urging stakeholders to respect the rule of law.

NYCN also advised its state and zonal leaders to ignore any publication or pronouncement claiming to dissolve or replace its leadership, insisting that the Federal High Court’s judgment validating its certificate remains binding until overturned.

The council further called for calm among members and pledged continued commitment to youth empowerment and national unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.